What might be causing a buzzing noise in my head after a hit?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was on my way out of a building after drinking alcohol, and I hit the top left of my forehead when I was on my way out. I believe it was on the top of a hard doorframe. The next day, I had a mild headache all day, so I decided to go to the ER (emergency room) to be safe. The doctor examined me and did a neurological exam, tested reflexes, looked at my eyes, did a bunch of tests, and said that a CT (computed tomography) scan is not needed.

It is likely a minor concussion, and they sent me home. I did not lose consciousness, did not vomit, and did not have any symptoms at all, but I had a mild headache. Now, I have a bad health anxiety. I have been hyper-focusing on every sensation my body shows, and was wondering if these two symptoms are serious.

The first one, if I close one eye and read small writing on a bottle or something, it seems off, but if I close the other eye, it looks normal. But it switches from eye to eye. I do not have double vision, and no part of my vision is lost, but each eye seems a tiny bit different. I went to the optician last year, who said I needed glasses when concentrating and gaming.

But I never got them, so could it be that?

The other symptom is that I have been sitting in a dark, quiet room as suggested by the doctor, and I have been noticing a constant buzzing noise that feels like it is in the back of my brain. I am not dizzy or anything. The headache has been on and off, but it has been pretty much non-existent, and other than that, I felt fine. I went on a walk earlier with no issues.

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Based on your symptoms and what the ER (emergency room) noted, it all still sounds consistent with a mild concussion, and you are recovering well. Your neurological exam was normal, and there were no red flags like loss of consciousness, vomiting, seizures, or amnesia; that is why the CT (computed tomography) was not needed.

Regarding the eye issue, the difference you notice when closing one eye and reading is likely due to natural eye dominance or uncorrected vision, especially since your optician already told you that you needed glasses for tasks like reading or gaming.

It is common for each eye to focus slightly differently, and it is not a sign of brain injury. As for the buzzing noise in your head, this is very likely tinnitus, which can be triggered or worsened by stress, silence, and even the after-effects of alcohol. Health anxiety can also make us hyper-focus on sensations that we might normally ignore. The fact is that it is more noticeable in a quiet room, and you are otherwise feeling fine.

Headaches that come and go, minor visual strain, and heightened awareness of body sensations are very common among post-concussion symptoms, and most people recover fully within one to two weeks. You are already doing the right things by resting and limiting stimulation. I would suggest staying hydrated, getting some light movement during the day, avoiding loud environments, and considering wearing glasses you were prescribed to ease any eye strain.

You only need to return to the hospital if you develop new or worsening symptoms like persistent or severe headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, blurry or double vision, weakness, or drowsiness. Otherwise, you are fine to continue recovering at home.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.